Donnie Avery Scouting Report

Donnie Avery, WR, Houston

Donnie Avery commenced his career at Houston as a return specialist, a role he performed with a lot of flare. Although he played wide receiver during his junior season, it wasn't until this past season that Avery developed into a legitimate receiver. He achieved Second Team All Conference USA as a Kick Returner. In 2007 he led the pass oriented Cougar attack with 81 receptions for 1,336 yards. He also averaged an impressive 28.27 yards per kickoff return; this average helped him rank fifth in the nation with 146.67 all purpose yards per game. He was invited to several All Star games (including the Hula, Senior and East-West Shrine Bowls), but will play only in the Senior Bowl. Avery posses a truly amazing speed, having been clocked in the low 4.20s (4.28). He has a quick and smooth release, creates separation, and is quick in and out of the breaks. Avery adjusts well once the ball is in the air and also runs well after the catch. He is able to accelerate with a burst, possesses soft and reliable hands, and has smooth body control -- enabling him to work the sidelines very well. However, Avery is somewhat undersized and he will need to add strength. He will get jammed at the line and is often over-matched as a downfield blocker. Is he a product of the Cougars simple, pass happy system? He may struggle with complex schemes, so he needs to improve his route running. A potential homerun threat every time he touched the football, the Houston star needed a big postseason to elevate his draft status and a great postseason he had. Avery really impressed scouts at the NFL Combine. He went on an injured ankle and he posted a better than expected 4.40 40 time. His catch and release drills were also impressive. Overall, Avery clearly demonstrated that he is much more than a track receiver. His performance has placed him in the upper portion of the draft, most likely in the middle of the second round. In fact, he has a chance to sneak into the late first round. Avery should develop into an effective deep option at wide receiver.